The Natural Products Association (NPA), Washington, D.C., today expressed concern about the direction of the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion’s “Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010,” a draft report released yesterday assessing revisions and recommendations to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines. When finalized, the report will form the basis for the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which will be released at the end of the year.
Driving NPA's concerns are troubling statements within the report such as “...a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement does not offer health benefits to healthy Americans.”
“When less than 25% of the U.S. population eats the recommended serving of five fruits and vegetables daily, how are Americans to get the vitamins and minerals they need?” says NPA Executive Director and CEO John Gay. “Advice to cut off a reliable and safe nutrition source, such as a daily multivitamin, doesn't seem logical or responsible.”
The agency is accepting public comments on the report from individuals and organizations through July 15, 2010 and oral testimony may be provided at a public meeting to be held in Washington, D.C., in July. “The Natural Products Association will be weighing in vigorously,” said Gay.